Time is running out for city to use design-build on BQE repairs

The clock is ticking on the city being able to employ a project delivery system that could cut costs from planned repairs to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

Earlier this month, the state Legislature ultimately declined to expand design-build authority to all state agencies. Gov. Cuomo had proposed the expansion — leaving out city agencies — as part of New York’s $163 billion budget. With the $1.7 billion in repairs planned for a section of the BQE on their minds, lawmakers are now pushing to enable the city to use design-build in certain cases.

Sen. Martin Golden introduced a bill on April 10 that would exclusively allow a design-build contract for the BQE, Crain’s reported. In March, Bronx state Assembly member Michael Benedetto introduced a bill that would authorize certain city agencies to use design-build.

But Albany will have to act before the end of the legislative session in June if the BQE is to benefit from the streamlined bidding process. The city’s Department of Transportation has already started looking at design teams.

Design-build differs from the traditional design-bid-build model in that the construction and design teams submit one contract. The delivery system is often touted as a money and time saver and is being used on the new Tappan Zee Bridge and the redevelopment of the Javits Center. [Crain’s] — Kathryn Brenzel